Power supply unit for aerosol inhaler, aerosol inhaler, power supply control method of aerosol inhaler, and power supply control program of aerosol inhaler

ABSTRACT

A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply that is able to discharge power to a load for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation source; and a control unit that is configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power supply such that the power supply does not become one or both of a fully charged state and a discharging termination state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/669,053, filed on Oct. 30, 2019, which claims the benefit of priorityfrom prior Japanese patent application No. 2018-204703, filed on Oct.31, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosolinhaler, the aerosol inhaler, a power supply control method of theaerosol inhaler, and a power supply control program of the aerosolinhaler.

BACKGROUND ART

There is available an aerosol inhaler which includes an aerosolgeneration source, a load for generating an aerosol from the aerosolgeneration source, a power supply able to discharge power to the load,and a control unit for controlling the power supply (see PatentLiteratures 1 to 3 for instance).

Patent Literature 1: JP-A-2018-093877

Patent Literature 2: JP-A-2018-057384

Patent Literature 3: JP-A-2018-019695

Since an aerosol inhaler can be often used, charging and discharging ofa power supply of the aerosol inhaler can be frequently performed. Forthis reason, it is required to suppress deterioration in the performanceof the power supply.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply unit foran aerosol inhaler, a power supply control method of the aerosolinhaler, and a power supply control program of the aerosol inhaler,capable of suppressing deterioration in the performance of a powersupply.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a powersupply unit for an aerosol inhaler, the power supply unit comprising: apower supply that is able to discharge power to a load for generating anaerosol from an aerosol generation source; and a control unit that isconfigured to control at least one of charging and discharging of thepower supply such that the power supply does not become one or both of afully charged state and a discharging termination state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler equipped with a powersupply unit of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the power supply unit in the aerosolinhaler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the main part configuration ofthe power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the circuit configuration ofthe power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when the power supplyis brand new and the amount of power stored in the power supply whencharging is completed.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when deterioration ofthe power supply has progressed and the amount of power stored in thepower supply when charging is completed.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when deterioration ofthe power supply has further progressed and the amount of power storedin the power supply when charging is completed.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when the power supplyis brand new and the amount of power stored in the power supply whendischarging is prohibited.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when deterioration ofthe power supply has progressed and the amount of power stored in thepower supply when discharging is prohibited.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example of the relation between thefull charge capacity of the power supply of FIG. 6 when deterioration ofthe power supply has further progressed and the amount of power storedin the power supply when discharging is prohibited.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to anembodiment of the present invention will be described. First of all, theaerosol inhaler equipped with the power supply unit will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

(Aerosol Inhaler)

An aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling an aerosol containing aflavor added without combustion, and has a rod shape extending along acertain direction (hereinafter, referred to as the longitudinaldirection A). The aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply unit 10, afirst cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30 which are arranged in theorder along the longitudinal direction A. The first cartridge 20 can beattached to and detached from the power supply unit 10. The secondcartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the first cartridge20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30can be individually replaced.

(Power Supply Unit)

The power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment includes a powersupply 12, a charging IC 55, an MCU 50, a switch 19, a voltage sensor16, various sensors, and so on in a cylindrical power supply unit case11, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 6. The power supply 12 is achargeable secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, or thelike, and is preferably a lithium-ion battery.

On a top part 11 a of the power supply unit case 11 positioned on oneend side in the longitudinal direction A (the first cartridge (20)side), a discharging terminal 41 is provided. The discharging terminal41 is provided so as to protrude from the top surface of the top part 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be able to beelectrically connected to a load 21 of the first cartridge 20.

Further, on a part of the top surface of the top part 11 a in thevicinity of the discharging terminal 41, an air supply part 42 forsupplying air to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 is provided.

On a bottom part 11 b of the power supply unit 10 positioned on theother end side in the longitudinal direction A (the opposite side to thefirst cartridge 20), a charging terminal 43 able to be electricallyconnected to an external power supply 60 (see FIG. 6) capable ofcharging the power supply 12 is provided. The charging terminal 43 isprovided on the side surface of the bottom part 11 b, such that, forexample, at least one of USB terminals, micro USB terminals, andLightning terminals can be connected thereto.

However, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving part able toreceive power from the external power supply 60 in a non-contact manner.In this case, the charging terminal 43 (the power receiving part) may becomposed of a power receiving coil. The wireless power transfer systemmay be an electromagnetic induction type, or may be a magnetic resonancetype. Also, the charging terminal 43 may be a power receiving part ableto receive power from the external power supply 60 without any contactpoint. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be configuredsuch that at least one of USB terminals, micro USB terminals, andLightning terminals can be connected thereto and the above-mentionedpower receiving part is included therein.

On the side surface of the top part 11 a of the power supply unit case11, an operation unit 14 which the user can operate is provided so as toface the opposite side to the charging terminal 43. More specifically,the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 are symmetric withrespect to the point of intersection of a straight line connecting theoperation unit 14 and the charging terminal 43 and the center line ofthe power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction A. The operationunit 14 is composed of a button type switch, a touch panel, or the like.In the vicinity of the operation unit 14, an inhalation sensor 15 fordetecting a puff action are provided.

The charging IC 55 is disposed close to the charging terminal 43, andperforms control on charging of the power supply 12 with power which isinput from the charging terminal 43. The charging IC 55 includes aconverter for converting direct current, which is applied from aninverter 61 or the like provided for converting alternating current intodirect current on a charging cable which is connected to the chargingterminal, into direct current having a different parameter, a voltmeterfor measuring charging voltage V_(CHG) which is supplied from theconverter to the power supply 12, an ammeter for measuring chargingcurrent I_(CHG) which is supplied from the converter to the power supply12, a processor for controlling them, and so on. In this specification,the processor is more specifically an electric circuit configured bycombining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

The charging IC 55 selectively performs constant current charging (CCcharging) for charging the power supply 12 by performing control suchthat the charging current I_(CHG) becomes constant, and constant voltagecharging (CV charging) for charging the power supply 12 by performingcontrol such that the charging voltage V_(CHG) becomes constant. Thecharging IC 55 charges the power supply 12 by CC charging, in the statewhere power-supply voltage V_(Batt) corresponding to the amount of powerstored in the power supply 12 is lower than a predetermined CV switchvoltage, and charges the power supply 12 by CV charging, in the statewhere the power-supply voltage V_(Batt) is equal to or higher than theabove-mentioned CV switch voltage.

The MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices, such as theinhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puff (inhaling) action, a voltagesensor 16 for measuring the power-supply voltage V_(Batt) of the powersupply 12, and a temperature sensor 17 for measuring the temperature ofthe power supply 12, the operation unit 14, a notifying unit 45 (to bedescribed below), and a memory 18 for storing the number of puffactions, the time for which power has been applied to the load 21, asshown in FIG. 5, and performs a variety of control on the aerosolinhaler 1. The MCU 50 is specifically a processor.

Also, in the power supply unit case 11, an air intake (not shown in thedrawings) for taking in air is formed. The air intake may be formedaround the operation unit 14, or may be formed around the chargingterminal 43.

(First Cartridge)

As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes a reservoir 23 forstoring an aerosol source 22, the electric load 21 for atomizing theaerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from thereservoir 23 toward the load 21, an aerosol channel 25 for an aerosolgenerated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 to flow toward the secondcartridge 30, an end cap 26 for storing a part of the second cartridge30.

The reservoir 23 is formed so as to surround the aerosol channel 25, andholds the aerosol source 22. In the reservoir 23, a porous member suchas a resin web or cotton may be stored, and the porous member may beimpregnated with the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 includes aliquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

The wick 24 is a liquid holding member for drawing the aerosol source 22toward the load 21 using capillarity, and is configured with, forexample, glass fiber, a porous ceramic, or the like.

The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 without combustion by powerwhich is supplied from the power supply 12 through the dischargingterminal 41. The load 21 is configured with a heating wire wound with apredetermined pitch (a coil). However, the load 21 needs only to be anelement capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22, thereby generatingan aerosol, and is, for example, a heating element or an ultrasonic wavegenerator. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, aceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and so on.

The aerosol channel 25 is provided on the downstream side of the load 21on the center line L of the power supply unit 10.

The end cap 26 includes a cartridge storage part 26 a for storing a partof the second cartridge 30, and a connecting passage 26 b for connectingthe aerosol channel 25 and the cartridge storage part 26 a.

(Second Cartridge)

The second cartridge 30 holds a flavor source 31. The end part of thesecond cartridge 30 on the first cartridge (20) side is stored in thecartridge storage part 26 a provided in the end cap 26 of the firstcartridge 20, so as to be able to be removed. The end part of the secondcartridge 30 on the opposite side to the first cartridge (20) side isconfigured as an inhalation port 32 for the user. However, theinhalation port 32 does not necessarily need to be configured integrallywith the second cartridge 30 so as not to be separable from the secondcartridge, and may be configured to be able to be attached to anddetached from the second cartridge 30. If the inhalation port 32 isconfigured separately from the power supply unit 10 and the firstcartridge 20 as described above, it is possible to keep the inhalationport 32 sanitary.

The second cartridge 30 adds a flavor to the aerosol generated byatomizing the aerosol source 22 by the load 21, by passing the aerosolthrough the flavor source 31. As a raw material piece which constitutesthe flavor source, a compact made by forming shredded tobacco or atobacco raw material into a grain shape can be used. The flavor source31 may be configured with a plant (such as mint or a herbal medicine, ora herb) other than tobacco. To the flavor source 31, a flavoring agentsuch as menthol may be added.

The aerosol inhaler 1 of the present embodiment can generate an aerosolcontaining the flavor by the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31,and the load 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavorsource 31 constitute an aerosol generation source for generating anaerosol.

The aerosol generation source in the aerosol inhaler 1 is a part whichthe user can replace to use. For this part, for example, one firstcartridge 20 and one or more (for example, five) second cartridges 30can be provided as one set to the user.

The configuration of the aerosol generation source which can be used inthe aerosol inhaler 1 is not limited to the configuration in which theaerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are configured separately,and may be a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavorsource 31 are formed integrally, a configuration in which the flavorsource 31 is omitted and the aerosol source 22 contains a substancewhich can be contained in the flavor source 31, a configuration in whichthe aerosol source 22 contains a medical substance or the like insteadof the flavor source 31, or the like.

For an aerosol inhaler 1 including an aerosol generation sourceconfigured by integrally forming an aerosol source 22 and a flavorsource 31, for example, one or more (for example, 20) aerosol generationsources may be provided as one set to the user.

In the case of an aerosol inhaler 1 including only an aerosol source 22as an aerosol generation source, for example, one or more (for example,20) aerosol generation sources may be provided as one set to the user.

In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured as described above, as shown by anarrow B in FIG. 3, air entering from the intake (not shown in thedrawings) formed in the power supply unit case 11 passes through the airsupply part 42, and passes near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20.The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by atomizing flows through theaerosol channel 25 together with the air entering from the intake, andis supplied to the second cartridge 30 through the connecting passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 passes through theflavor source 31, whereby the flavor is added, and is supplied to theinhalation port 32.

Also, in the aerosol inhaler 1, a notifying unit 45 for notifying avariety of information is provided (see FIG. 5). The notifying unit 45may be configured with a light emitting element, or may be configuredwith a vibrating element, or may be configured with a sound outputelement. The notifying unit 45 may be a combination of two or moreelements of light emitting elements, vibrating elements, and soundoutput elements. The notifying unit 45 may be provided in any one of thepower supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge30; however, it is preferable that the notifying unit be provided in thepower supply unit 10. For example, the area around the operation unit 14is configured to have translucency to permit light which is emitted by alight emitting element such as an LED to pass through.

(Electronic Circuit)

Now, the details of the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The power supply unit 10 includes the power supply 12, a positiveelectrode side discharging terminal 41 a and a negative electrode sidedischarging terminal 41 b which constitute the discharging terminal 41,a positive electrode side charging terminal 43 a and a negativeelectrode side charging terminal 43 b which constitute the chargingterminal 43, the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 which is connectedbetween the positive electrode side of the power supply 12 and thepositive electrode side discharging terminal 41 a and between thenegative electrode side of the power supply 12 and the negativeelectrode side discharging terminal 41 b, the charging IC 55 which isdisposed on the power transmission path between the charging terminal 43and the power supply 12, and a switch 19 which is disposed on the powertransmission path between the power supply 12 and the dischargingterminal 41.

The switch 19 is configured with, for example, a semiconductor elementsuch as a MOSFET, and is opened and closed by control of the MCU 50. TheMCU 50 has a function of detecting that the external power supply 60 isconnected to the charging terminal 43, on the basis of variation in thevoltage between the MCU and the charging terminal 43.

In the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 6, theswitch 19 is provided between the positive electrode side of the powersupply 12 and the positive electrode side discharging terminal 41 a.Instead of this so-called plus control type, the switch 19 may be aminus control type which is provided between the negative electrode sidedischarging terminal 41 b and the negative electrode side of the powersupply 12.

(MCU)

Now, the configuration of the MCU 50 will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol generation requestdetecting unit 51, an operation detecting unit 52, a power control unit53, and a notification control unit 54 as functional blocks which areimplemented by executing a program.

The aerosol generation request detecting unit 51 detects a request foraerosol generation on the basis of the output result of the inhalationsensor 15. The inhalation sensor 15 is configured to output the value ofa variation in the pressure in the power supply unit 10 (the internalpressure) caused by inhalation of the user through the inhalation port32. The inhalation sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor foroutputting an output value (for example, a voltage value or a currentvalue) according to the internal pressure which varies according to theflow rate of air which is sucked from the intake (not shown in thedrawings) toward the inhalation port 32 (i.e. a puff action of theuser). The inhalation sensor 15 may be configured with a capacitormicrophone or the like.

The operation detecting unit 52 detects an operation which is performedon the operation unit 14 by the user.

The notification control unit 54 controls the notifying unit 45 suchthat the notifying unit notifies a variety of information. For example,the notification control unit 54 controls the notifying unit 45 inresponse to detection of a timing to replace the second cartridge 30,such that the notifying unit notifies the timing to replace the secondcartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 detects and notifies atiming to replace the second cartridge 30, on the basis of the number ofpuff actions and the cumulative time for which power has been suppliedto the load 21, stored in the memory 18. The notification control unit54 is not limited to notification of a timing to replace the secondcartridge 30, and may notify a timing to replace the first cartridge 20,a timing to replace the power supply 12, a timing to charge the powersupply 12, and so on.

In the state where one unused second cartridge 30 is set, if apredetermined number of puff actions are performed, or if the cumulativetime for which power has been applied to the load 21 due to puff actionsreaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds), thenotification control unit 54 determines that the second cartridge 30 isused up (i.e. the remaining amount is zero or the second cartridge isempty), and notifies the timing to replace the second cartridge 30.

Also, in the case of determining that all of the second cartridges 30included in one set are used up, the notification control unit 54 maydetermine that one first cartridge 20 included in the single set is usedup (i.e. the remaining amount is zero or the first cartridge is empty),and notify the timing to replace the first cartridge 20.

Also, the notification control unit 54 calculates the state of charge(SOC) indicating the ratio of the amount of power stored in the powersupply 12 (the amount of stored power) to the capacity (full chargecapacity) of the power supply 12 (in percentages), as a numerical indexindicating the state of charge of the power supply 12, and controls thenotifying unit 45 such that the notifying unit notifies the calculatedSOC.

The notification control unit 54 determines, for example, which of afirst range equal to or larger than 0% and smaller than 33%, a secondrange equal to or larger than 33% and smaller than 66%, and a thirdrange equal to or larger than 66% and smaller than 100% the SOC belongsto. Further, depending on the case where the SOC is in the first range,the case where the SOC is in the second range, and the case where theSOC is in the third range, the notification control unit 54 performscontrol, for example, turning on or flashing light emitting elementsincluded in the notifying unit 45 in different colors, turning on orflashing light emitting elements included in the notifying unit 45 indifferent patterns, changing the number of light emitting elements to beturned on or flashed, of a plurality of light emitting elements includedin the notifying unit 45, changing the output sound of a sound outputelement of the notifying unit 45, or changing the vibration pattern of avibrating element of the notifying unit 45. Therefore, the user of theaerosol inhaler 1 can intuitively the magnitude of the SOC of the powersupply 12 by sound, color, or vibration, not by characters or an imagewhich is displayed on a display or the like.

If the notification control unit 54 notifies the SOC in theabove-mentioned way, even if charging stop control to be described belowis performed, as compared to the case of directly displaying the valueof the SOC, it is possible to effectively reduce a feeling ofstrangeness which the user feels.

The power control unit 53 controls discharging of the power supply 12through the discharging terminal 41 by switching on and off the switch19 if the aerosol generation request detecting unit 51 detects therequest for aerosol generation.

The power control unit 53 performs control such that the amount ofaerosol which is generated by atomizing the aerosol source by the load21 falls in a desired range, i.e. such that the amount of power which issupplied from the power supply 12 to the load 21 falls in apredetermined range. Specifically, the power control unit 53 controlsswitching on and off of the switch 19 by, for example, PWM (Pulse WidthModulation) control. Alternatively, the power control unit 53 maycontrol switching on and off of the switch 19 by PFM (Pulse FrequencyModulation) control.

The power control unit 53 stops supply of power from the power supply 12to the load 21 if a predetermined period passes after start of supply ofpower to the load 21. In other words, even while the user is actuallyperforming a puff action, if the puff period exceeds a certain period,the power control unit 53 stops supply of power from the power supply 12to the load 21. The certain period is determined to suppress variationin user's puff period.

By control of the power control unit 53, the current which flows in theload 21 during one puff action becomes substantially a constant valuewhich is determined according to substantially constant effectivevoltage which is supplied to the load 21 by PWM control, and theresistance values of the discharging terminal 41 and the load 21. In theaerosol inhaler 1 of the present embodiment, when the user inhales anaerosol using one unused second cartridge 30, the cumulative time forwhich power can be supplied to the load 21 is controlled to a maximumof, for example, 120 seconds. Therefore, in the case where one firstcartridge 20 and five second cartridges 30 constitute one set, it ispossible to obtain the maximum amount of power required to empty (useup) the single set, in advance.

Also, the power control unit 53 detects an electric connection betweenthe charging terminal 43 and the external power supply 60. Then, in thestate where charging of the power supply 12 is being performed by thecharging IC 55, the power control unit 53 performs control for stoppingcharging of the power supply 12 if the SOC of the power supply 12becomes a value smaller than 100% (for example, an arbitrary value equalto or smaller than 95% or 90%), such that the power supply 12 does notbecome the fully charged state. By this control, the power supply 12 ismaintained in the state where it is unlikely to deteriorate.

In the case of using a lithium-ion secondary battery or the like as thepower supply 12, the SOC value when the power supply 12 is left as it isexerts an influence on deterioration of the power supply 12. Thisinfluence on deterioration increases as the SOC gets closer to 100% or0%. Meanwhile, this influence on deterioration becomes minimum when theSOC is between 30% and 70%. Therefore, if the SOC of the power supply 12is maintained at a value smaller than 100%, it is possible to maintainthe state where the power supply 12 is unlikely to deteriorate.

Also, the power control unit 53 performs charging stop control on thepower supply 12, such that power more than the amount of power requiredto be supplied to the load 21 in order to empty one unused set or aplurality of unused sets (hereinafter, two sets are assumed) which areprovided to the user is stored in the power supply 12. This makes itpossible to use up one set or two sets of aerosol generation sourceseven if charging of the power supply 12 is completed before the powersupply becomes the fully charged state. In other words, it is possibleto achieve both of suppression of deterioration of the power supply 12and improvement of user convenience.

Hereinafter, the amount of power required to be supplied to the load 21in order to empty one set of unused aerosol generation sources will bereferred to as the amount of necessary power for one set, and the amountof power required to be supplied to the load 21 in order to empty twosets of unused aerosol generation sources will be referred to as theamount of necessary power for two sets.

(Charging Stop Control on Power Supply)

In this control, during discharging control for discharging power fromthe power supply 12 to the load 21, the MCU 50 stops discharging (inother words, the MCU prohibits discharging) when the SOC of the powersupply 12 becomes 0%, and notifies the timing to charge the power supply12 by the notifying unit 45. Meanwhile, the MCU 50 determines anupper-limit-side arbitrary range (for example, a range between 90% and95%) of an SOC range in which the power supply 12 is unlikely todeteriorate, in advance, and controls the charging IC 55 such that thecharging IC completes charging of the power supply 12, if the SOC of thepower supply 12 reaches a specific value in that range in the course ofcharging of the power supply 12 by the charging IC 55. Hereinafter, theSOC of the power supply 12 when the MCU 50 completes charging of thepower supply 12 will be referred to as the charging stop SOC.

As the power supply 12, a high-capacity power supply is used such thatthe amount of stored power corresponding to the minimum value (90%) ofthe SOC in the above-mentioned arbitrary range is equal to or largerthan the amount of necessary power for two sets. As a result, in thestate where deterioration of the power supply 12 is less, even ifcontrol for stopping charging of the power supply 12 in the state wherethe SOC is 90% is performed, discharging for using up two sets ofaerosol generation sources is possible. Therefore, even though the powersupply 12 is not charged to the fully charged state (in which the SOC is100%), user convenience is not damaged.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are views illustrating examples of therelation between the full charge capacity of the power supply 12 in eachof the cases different in the health state of the power supply 12 andthe amount of power stored in the power supply when charging iscompleted.

Hereinafter, as a numerical index indicating the healthy state of thepower supply 12, the state of health (SOH) will be described. The SOH isa numeric value which is obtained by dividing the full charge capacityof the power supply 12 when it is in a deteriorated state by the fullcharge capacity of the power supply 12 when it is brand new andmultiplying the quotient by 100, and its unit is %. In other words, inthe case where the SOH is a numerical index indicating the healthy stateof the power supply 12, a larger SOH value means that the state of thepower supply 12 is closer to that of a brand new, and a smaller SOHvalue means deterioration of the power supply 12 has progressed more.The SOH can be measured or estimated by various methods.

Also, the SOH can be defined as a numeric value which is obtained bydividing the internal resistance value of the power supply 12 when it isin a deteriorated state by the internal resistance value of the powersupply 12 when it is brand new and multiplying the quotient by 100. Inthis case, the SOH is a numerical index indicating the deterioratedstate of the power supply 12. In the case where the SOH is a numericalindex indicating the deteriorated state of the power supply 12, a largerSOH value means that deterioration of the power supply 12 has progressedmore, and a smaller SOH value means that the state of the power supply12 is closer to that of a brand new.

Hereinafter, the case where the SOH is a numerical index indicating thehealthy state of the power supply 12 will be described as an example.Those skilled in the art could understand that even in the case wherethe SOH is a numerical index indicating the deteriorated state of thepower supply 12, similarly, the relation between the full chargecapacity of the power supply 12 and the amount of power stored in thepower supply 12 when charging is completed can be defined.

In FIG. 7, an example of the full charge capacity in the state where theSOH is 100%, i.e. the power supply 12 is brand new and the amount ofstored power when charging is completed is shown. As described above, inthe state where the SOH is 100%, capacity which is 90% of the fullcharge capacity of the power supply 12 is equal to or larger than theamount of necessary power for two sets. For this reason, in this state,the MCU 50 sets the charging stop SOC to 90% which is such a lower limitvalue that deterioration of the power supply 12 is suppressed, andcompletes charging when the SOC of the power supply 12 reaches 90%.

In FIG. 8, a state where the SOH is equal to or smaller than a thresholdTH1 smaller than 100% is shown. In other words, in FIG. 8, a state wheredeterioration of the power supply 12 has further progressed as comparedto the example of FIG. 7 is shown. In the example of FIG. 8, capacitywhich is 90% of the full charge capacity of the power supply 12 issmaller than the amount of necessary power for two sets. In this state,the MCU 50 may set the charging stop SOC to, for example, 93% largerthan 90%, such that when charging is completed, the amount of necessarypower for two sets is secured as the amount of power stored in the powersupply 12, and complete charging when the SOC of the power supply 12reaches 93%. In this case, even if the SOH slightly decreases, whencharging is completed, sufficient power to empty two sets of aerosolgeneration sources is secured.

In FIG. 9, a state where the SOH is equal to or smaller than a thresholdTH2 smaller than the threshold TH1 is shown. In other words, in FIG. 9,a state where deterioration of the power supply 12 has furtherprogressed as compared to the example of FIG. 8 is shown. In the exampleof FIG. 9, the full charge capacity of the power supply 12 is equal toor smaller than the amount of necessary power for two sets. In thisstate, the MCU 50 sets the charging stop SOC to any one value between90% and 95%, such that when charging is completed, the amount ofnecessary power for one set is secured as the amount of power stored inthe power supply 12, and completes charging when the SOC of the powersupply 12 reaches the set value. In this case, even if the SOHsignificantly decreases, when charging is completed, sufficient power toempty one set of aerosol generation sources is secured.

Also, the MCU 50 may detect deterioration of the power supply 12 inresponse to change of the SOH to a value equal to or smaller than thethreshold TH2, and notify that the power supply 12 has deteriorated, bythe notifying unit 45. Alternatively, the MCU 50 may start theabove-mentioned charging stop control on the power supply 12 in responseto change of the SOH to a value equal to or smaller than the thresholdTH2. In this way, it is possible to suppress further deterioration ofthe deteriorated power supply 12. Also, until deterioration of the powersupply 12 is detected, or until the charging stop control on the powersupply 12 is started, in the power supply 12, sufficient power to emptyone set of aerosol generation sources is secured. Therefore, userconvenience further improves.

Hereinafter, the charging stop control which the MCU 50 performs will bedescribed specifically.

First of all, the MCU 50 measures or estimates the SOH, and estimatesthe full charge capacity of the power supply 12 from the SOH. Inmeasuring or estimating the SOH, the internal resistance of the powersupply 12, the integrated value of power stored and discharged, and soon may be used. Specifically, by multiplying the known full chargecapacity of the power supply 12 when it is brand new by the SOH, thecurrent full charge capacity is estimated.

In the case where the value obtained by multiplying the estimated fullcharge capacity by the lower limit value (90%) for the charging stop SOCis equal to or larger than the amount of necessary power for two sets(the case of FIG. 7), the MCU 50 sets the charging stop SOC to 90% whichis the lower limit value. In this way, in the state where deteriorationof the power supply 12 is less, it is possible to secure power forconsume two sets by performing charging once while effectivelysuppressing deterioration of the power supply 12.

In the case where the value obtained by multiplying the estimated fullcharge capacity by the lower limit value (90%) for the charging stop SOCbecomes smaller than the amount of necessary power for two sets, and thevalue obtained by multiplying the estimated full charge capacity by theupper limit value (95%) for the charging stop SOC becomes equal to orlarger than the amount of necessary power for two sets (the case of FIG.8), the MCU 50 sets such an SOC value (a value larger than 90%) thatwhen charging is completed, the amount of necessary power for two setscan be secured as the amount of power stored in the power supply 12, asthe charging stop SOC. Even in this case, since the power supply doesnot become the fully charged state, it is possible to secure power forconsume two sets while suppressing deterioration.

In the case where each of the values obtained by multiplying theestimated full charge capacity by the lower limit value (90%) and upperlimit value (95%) for the charging stop SOC is smaller than the amountof necessary power for two sets, the MCU 50 determines such chargingstop SOC that the amount of stored power when charging is stopped, theamount of necessary power for one set or more can be secured as theamount of stored power, from the range between 90% and 95%. As a result,it is possible to secure power for consuming one set while suppressingdeterioration of the power supply 12.

In the case where the value obtained by multiplying the estimated fullcharge capacity by the upper limit value (95%) for the charging stop SOCis smaller than the amount of necessary power for one set, the MCU 50controls the notifying unit 45 such that the notifying unit notifies theuser that the timing has come to replace the power supply 12.

When the amount of stored charge which is obtained by subtracting theamount of power stored in the power source 12 when discharging of thepower supply 12 is prohibited (when SOC is 0%) from the amount of powerstored in the power source 12 when charging is completed is defined as adischarging permission power amount, by the above-described control ofthe MCU 50, it is possible to set an amount equal to or larger than theamount of necessary power for one set or two sets, as the dischargingpermission power amount. Therefore, not only in the state where thepower supply 12 is brand new but also in the state where deteriorationhas progressed, it is possible to consume at least one set of aerosolgeneration sources. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience.Also, since the power supply 12 does not become the fully charged state,it is possible to suppress deterioration.

In the above-described embodiment, the MCU 50 determines the chargingstop SOC with reference to the amount of necessary power for two sets.Alternatively, the MCU 50 may determine the charging stop SOC withreference to the amount of necessary power for one set. In this case, inany deteriorated (healthy) state, the charging stop SOC is set to thelower limit value (90%).

Also, it should be noted that the lower limit value (90%) and upperlimit value (95%) for the charging stop SOC described in the aboveembodiment are merely an example. Since they are values depending oneach power supply 12 which is used, it is preferable that they beobtained by experiments on individual power supplies 12, and so on.

(First Modification of Charging Stop Control on Power Supply)

In this control, during charging of the power supply 12, the MCU 50completes charging when the SOC of the power supply 12 becomes 100%.Meanwhile, the MCU 50 determines a lower-limit-side arbitrary range (forexample, a range between 10% and 5%) of an SOC range in which the powersupply 12 is unlikely to deteriorate, in advance, and stops dischargingof power from the power supply 12 to the load 21 (in other words, theMCU prohibits discharging) in the case where the SOC of the power supply12 reaches a specific value in the determined range in the course ofdischarging of power from the power supply 12 to the load 21, andnotifies the timing to charge the power supply 12 by the notifying unit45. Hereinafter, the SOC of the power supply 12 when the MCU 50prohibits discharging of the power supply 12 will be referred to as thedischarging prohibition SOC.

As the power supply 12, a high-capacity power supply is used such thatcapacity obtained by subtracting the amount of stored powercorresponding to the maximum value (which is 10%) for the SOC in thearbitrary range from the full charge capacity becomes equal to or largerthan t the amount of necessary power for two sets (in other words, thecapacity which is 90% of the full charge capacity of the power supply 12becomes equal to or larger than the amount of necessary power for twosets). As a result, in the state where deterioration of the power supply12 is less, even if control for prohibiting discharging of the powersupply 12 in the state where the SOC is 10% is performed, dischargingfor emptying two sets of aerosol generation sources is possible.

FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 are views illustrating examples of therelation between the full charge capacity of the power supply 12 in eachof the cases different in the healthy state of the power supply 12 andthe amount of power stored in the power supply 12 when discharging isprohibited.

In FIG. 10, an example of the full charge capacity in the state wherethe SOH is 100%, i.e. the power supply 12 is brand new and the amount ofstored power when discharging is prohibited is shown. As describedabove, in the state where the SOH is 100%, the capacity which is 90% ofthe full charge capacity of the power supply 12 becomes equal to orlarger than the amount of necessary power for two sets. For this reason,in this state, the MCU 50 sets the discharging prohibition SOC to 10% ofthe upper limit value at which deterioration of the power supply 12 isminimized, and prohibits discharging when the SOC of the power supply 12reaches 10%.

In FIG. 11, a state where the SOH is equal to or smaller than thethreshold TH1 smaller than 100% is shown. In other words, in FIG. 11,the state where deterioration of the power supply 12 has furtherprogressed as compared to the example of FIG. 10 is shown. In theexample of FIG. 11, the capacity which is 90% of the full chargecapacity of the power supply 12 becomes smaller than the amount ofnecessary power for two sets. In this state, the MCU sets thedischarging prohibition SOC to, for example, 7% smaller than 10% suchthat the difference between the full charge capacity and the amount ofpower stored in the power supply 12 when discharging is stopped becomesthe amount of necessary power for two sets, and prohibits discharging ofthe power supply 12 when the SOC of the power supply 12 reaches 7%. Inthis case, even if the SOH slightly decreases, when charging iscompleted, sufficient power to empty two sets of aerosol generationsources is secured.

In FIG. 12, a state where the SOH is equal to or smaller than thethreshold TH2 smaller than the threshold TH1 is shown. In other words,in FIG. 12, a state where deterioration of the power supply 12 hasfurther progressed as compared to the example of FIG. 11 is shown. Inthe example of FIG. 12, the full charge capacity of the power supply 12is equal to or smaller than the amount of necessary power for two sets.In this state, the MCU 50 sets the discharging prohibition SOC to anyone value between 10% and 5% such that the difference between the fullcharge capacity and the amount of power stored in the power supply 12when discharging is stopped becomes equal to or larger than the amountof necessary power for one set, and prohibits discharging when the SOCof the power supply 12 reaches the set value. In this case, even if theSOH significantly decreases, when charging is completed, sufficientpower to empty one set of aerosol generation sources is secured.

Also, the MCU 50 may detect deterioration of the power supply 12 inresponse to change of the SOH to a value equal to or smaller than thethreshold TH2, and notify that the power supply 12 has deteriorated, bythe notifying unit 45. Alternatively, the MCU 50 may start theabove-mentioned discharging stop control on the power supply 12 inresponse to change of the SOH to a value equal to or smaller than thethreshold TH2. In this way, it is possible to suppress furtherdeterioration of the deteriorated power supply 12. Also, untildeterioration of the power supply 12 is detected, or until thedischarging stop control on the power supply 12 is started, in the powersupply 12, sufficient power to empty one set of aerosol generationsources is secured. Therefore, user convenience further improves.

Hereinafter, the discharging stop control which the MCU 50 performs willbe described specifically.

First of all, the MCU 50 measures or estimates the SOH, and estimatesthe full charge capacity of the power supply 12 from the SOH. Inmeasuring or estimating the SOH, the internal resistance of the powersupply 12, the integrated value of power stored and discharged, and soon may be used. Specifically, by multiplying the known full chargecapacity of the power supply 12 when it is brand new by the SOH, thecurrent full charge capacity is estimated.

In the case where capacity which is obtained by multiplying the fullcharge capacity estimated in the above-mentioned way by the upper limitvalue (10%) for the discharging prohibition SOC and subtracting theresult value from the estimated full charge capacity is equal to orlarger than the amount of necessary power for two sets (the case of FIG.10), the MCU 50 sets the discharging prohibition SOC to 10% which theupper limit value. In this way, in the state where deterioration of thepower supply 12 is less, it is possible to secure power for consume twosets by performing charging once while effectively suppressingdeterioration of the power supply 12.

In the case where the capacity which is obtained by multiplying theestimated full charge capacity by the lower limit value (5%) for thedischarging prohibition SOC and subtracting the result value from theestimated full charge capacity becomes equal to or larger than theamount of necessary power for two sets, and the capacity which isobtained by multiplying the estimated full charge capacity by the upperlimit value (10%) for the discharging prohibition SOC and subtractingthe result value from the estimated full charge capacity becomes smallerthan the amount of necessary power for two sets (the case of FIG. 11),the MCU sets such an SOC value (a value smaller than 10%) that capacitywhich is obtained by subtracting the amount of power stored in the powersupply 12 when discharging is prohibited from the full charge capacitybecomes the amount of necessary power for two sets, as the dischargingprohibition SOC. Even in this case, since the power supply does notbecome the discharging termination state, it is possible to secure powerfor consume two sets while suppressing deterioration.

In the case where each of the capacity which is obtained by multiplyingthe estimated full charge capacity by the lower limit value (5%) for thedischarging prohibition SOC and subtracting the result value from theestimated full charge capacity, and the capacity which is obtained bymultiplying the estimated full charge capacity by the upper limit value(10%) the discharging prohibition SOC and subtracting the result valuefrom the estimated full charge capacity becomes smaller than the amountof necessary power for two sets (the case of FIG. 12), the MCUdetermines such a value that the capability which is obtained bysubtracting the amount of power stored in the power supply 12 whendischarging is prohibited from the full charge capacity becomes theamount of necessary power for one set, as the discharging prohibitionSOC from the range between 10% and 5%. As a result, it is possible tosecure power for consuming one set while suppressing deterioration ofthe power supply 12.

In the case where the capacity which is obtained by multiplying theestimated full charge capacity by the lower limit value (5%) for thedischarging prohibition SOC and subtracting the result value from theestimated full charge capacity becomes smaller than the amount ofnecessary power for one set, the MCU 50 controls the notifying unit 45such that the notifying unit notifies the user that the timing has cometo replace the power supply 12.

When the amount of stored power obtained by subtracting the amount ofpower stored in the power source 12 when discharging of the power supply12 is prohibited from the amount of power stored in the power source 12when charging is completed is defined as the discharging permissionpower amount, by the above-described discharging stop control of the MCU50, it is possible to set an amount equal to or larger than the amountof necessary power for one set or two sets, as the dischargingpermission power amount. Therefore, not only in the state where thepower supply 12 is brand new but also in the state where deteriorationhas progressed, it is possible to consume at least one set of aerosolgeneration sources. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience.Also, since the power supply 12 does not become the dischargingtermination state, it is possible to suppress deterioration.

In the above-described embodiment, the MCU 50 determines the dischargingprohibition SOC with reference to the amount of necessary power for twosets. Alternatively, the MCU 50 may determine the dischargingprohibition SOC with reference to the amount of necessary power for oneset. In this case, in any deteriorated (healthy) state, the dischargingprohibition SOC is set to the upper limit value (10%).

Also, it should be noted that the lower limit value (5%) and upper limitvalue (10%) for the discharging prohibition SOC described in the aboveembodiment are merely an example. Since they are values depending oneach power supply 12 which is used, it is preferable that they areobtained by experiments on individual power supplies 12, and so on.

(Second Modification of Charging Stop Control on Power Supply)

The MCU 50 may perform control for completing charging when the SOC ofthe power supply 12 becomes the specific value in the upper-limit-sidearbitrary range, in the course of charging of the power supply 12, andprohibiting discharging when the SOC of the power supply 12 becomes thespecific value in the lower-limit-side arbitrary range, in the course ofdischarging of the power supply 12. In other words, the MCU 50 maycontrol each of charging and discharging of the power supply 12 suchthat the power supply 12 does not become any of the fully charged stateand the discharging termination state.

When the amount of stored power which is obtained by subtracting theamount of power stored in the power source 12 when discharging of thepower supply 12 is prohibited from the amount of power stored in thepower source 12 when charging is completed is defined as the dischargingpermission power amount, the MCU 50 sets each of the charging stop SOCand the discharging prohibition SOC, such that the dischargingpermission power amount becomes the amount of necessary power for oneset or two sets. In this case, not only in the state where the powersupply 12 is brand new but also in the state where deterioration hasprogressed, it becomes possible to consume at least one set of aerosolgeneration sources. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience.Also, since the power supply 12 does not become any of the fully chargedstate and the discharging termination state, it is possible to furthersuppress deterioration.

(Third Modification of Charging Stop Control on Power Supply)

Charging stop control which is performed in the case where one setcomposed of one first cartridge 20 and a plurality of (for example,five) second cartridges 30 is provided as aerosol generation sources tothe user will be described below. In this case, in order to empty onebrand new (unused) first cartridge 20, it is required to empty fivebrand new (unused) second cartridges 30. The amount of necessary powermay be set on the basis of the amount of power required to consume onebrand new (unused) first cartridge 20, or may be set on the basis of theamount of power required to consume one brand new (unused) secondcartridge 30.

In the case of setting the amount of necessary power on the basis of theamount of power required to consume one brand new (unused) firstcartridge 20, the power supply 12 has sufficient power to consume oneset. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the frequency of charging ofthe power supply 12 from excessively increasing while suppressingdeterioration of the power supply 12.

In the case of setting the amount of necessary power on the basis of theamount of power required to consume one brand new (unused) secondcartridge 30, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of thepower supply 12.

In the above description, the MCU 50 controls at least one of thecharging stop SOC and the discharging prohibition SOC. However, of thiscontrol, the control on the charging stop SOC may be performed by thecharging IC 55.

In this specification, at least the following inventions (1) to (14) aredisclosed.

(1) A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler comprising:

-   -   a power supply that is able to discharge power to a load for        generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation source; and    -   a control unit that is configured to control at least one of        charging and discharging of the power supply such that the power        supply does not become one or both of a fully charged state and        a discharging termination state.

According to (1), since the power supply is controlled such that thepower supply does not become one or both of the fully charged state andthe discharging termination state, it is possible to suppressdeterioration of the power supply. Especially, in devices which can befrequently used and be charged and discharged, like aerosol inhalers, byperforming such control, it is possible to suppress deterioration oftheir power supplies, thereby extending the lives of the devices. Inaddition, it is possible to obtain energy saving effect.

(2) The power supply unit according to (1), wherein

-   -   a remainder which is obtained by subtracting an amount of power        stored in the power supply to cause the discharging to be        prohibited from an amount of power stored in the power supply in        a state where the charging is completed is defined as a        discharging permission power amount, and    -   the control unit controls at least one of the charging and the        discharging of the power supply such that the discharging        permission power amount becomes equal to or larger than an        amount of power required to be supplied to the load in order to        empty the aerosol generation source which is unused.

According to (2), in the state where the charging of the power supply iscompleted, it becomes possible to consume the unused aerosol generationsource by the aerosol inhaler. Therefore, it is possible to prevent asituation in which it becomes impossible to generate an aerosol in thestate where there is the remaining amount of the aerosol generationsource, and it is possible to prevent frequent charging of the powersupply, thereby suppressing deterioration of the power supply. In otherwords, it is possible to achieve both of suppression of deterioration ofthe power supply and improvement of user convenience.

(3) The power supply unit according to (2), wherein

-   -   the aerosol generation source includes a first unit containing a        medium to be atomized by the load, and a second unit containing        a flavor source to add a flavor to the atomized medium, and    -   the control unit controls at least one of the charging and the        discharging of the power supply such that the discharging        permission power amount becomes equal to or larger than an        amount of power required to be supplied to the load in order to        empty a predetermined number, which is one or more, of the first        unit.

According to (3), in the state where the charging of the power supply iscompleted, it becomes possible to consume the predetermined number ofthe first unit by the aerosol inhaler. For example, in the case where aplurality of second units can be used by one first unit, it becomespossible to consume many second units by performing charging once.Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequent charging of the powersupply, thereby suppressing deterioration of the power supply.

(4) The power supply unit according to (2), wherein

-   -   the aerosol generation source includes a first unit containing a        medium to be atomized by the load, and a second unit containing        a flavor source to add a flavor to the atomized medium, and    -   the control unit controls at least one of the charging and the        discharging of the power supply such that the discharging        permission power amount becomes equal to or larger than an        amount of power required to be supplied to the load in order to        empty a predetermined number, which is one or more, of the        second unit.

According to (4), in the state where the charging of the power supply iscompleted, it becomes possible to consume the predetermined number ofthe second unit by the aerosol inhaler. For example, a configuration inwhich the discharging permission power amount of the power supplybecomes equal to or larger than the amount of power required to empty aplurality of second units can be made to make it possible to consumemany second units by performing charging once. In this case, it ispossible to prevent frequent charging of the power supply, therebysuppressing deterioration of the power supply.

Also, by making a configuration in which the discharging permissionpower amount of the power supply becomes equal to or larger than theamount of power required to empty, for example, one second unit, it ispossible to reduce the capacity of the power supply, and it is possibleto reduce the size, weight, and cost of the aerosol inhaler. Also, sinceit is possible to make the amount of power for consuming one second unitsmaller than the amount of power for consuming one first unit, it ispossible to reduce the capacity of the power supply, and it is possibleto reduce the size, weight, and cost of the aerosol inhaler.

(5) An aerosol inhaler comprising:

-   -   the power supply unit according to (3) or (4);    -   the first unit; and    -   the second unit that is emptied more quickly than the first unit        which is unused if discharging of power to the load is performed        when the second unit is unused.

(6) The power supply unit according to (1), wherein

-   -   a remainder which is obtained by subtracting an amount of power        stored in the power supply to cause the discharging to be        prohibited from an amount of power stored in the power supply in        a state where the charging is completed is defined as a        discharging permission power amount, and    -   the control unit controls at least one of the charging and the        discharging of the power supply such that the discharging        permission power amount in a first state where a numerical index        indicating a state where the charging of the power supply is        completed and a deteriorated state of the power supply is        smaller than a threshold or a numerical index indicating a        healthy state of the power supply is equal to or larger than a        threshold becomes equal to or larger than an amount of power        required to be supplied to the load in order to empty the        aerosol generation source which is unused.

According to (5), in the state where deterioration of the power supplyhas not progressed, the discharging permission power amount equal to orlarger than the amount of power required to be supplied to the load inorder to empty the aerosol generation source unused is secured.Therefore, even if the deterioration of the power supply progresses, itis possible to secure sufficient power to empty the unused aerosolgeneration source. Also, by reducing the discharging permission poweramount in the above-mentioned state, it is possible to reduce thecapacity of the power supply, and it is possible to reduce the size,weight, and cost of the aerosol inhaler.

(7) The power supply unit according to (6), wherein

-   -   the first state is a state of the power supply which is brand        new.

(8) The power supply unit according to (1), (6), or (7), wherein

-   -   a remainder which is obtained by subtracting an amount of power        stored in the power supply to cause the discharging to be        prohibited from an amount of power stored in the power supply in        a state where the charging is completed is defined as a        discharging permission power amount, and    -   the control unit controls at least one of the charging and the        discharging of the power supply such that the discharging        permission power amount in a second state where a numerical        index indicating a state where charging of the power supply is        completed and a deteriorated state of the power supply is equal        to or larger than a threshold or a numerical index indicating a        healthy state of the power supply is smaller than a threshold        becomes equal to or larger than an amount of power required to        be supplied to the load in order to empty the aerosol generation        source which is unused.

According to (8), even if deterioration of the power supply progresses,whereby the full charge capacity of the power supply decreases, thedischarging permission power amount equal to or larger than the amountof power required to be supplied to the load in order to empty theunused aerosol generation source is secured. Therefore, it becomespossible to use up the unused aerosol generation source. Also, byreducing the discharging permission power amount in the above-mentionedstate, it becomes possible to reduce the capacity of the power supply,and it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the aerosolinhaler.

(9) The power supply unit according to (8), wherein

-   -   the second state is a state where the control unit detects        deterioration of the power supply or suppresses the charging and        the discharging of the power supply.

(10) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein

-   -   the control unit performs the charging of the power supply such        that the power supply does not become the fully charged state.

According to (10), it is possible to shorten the time required forcompleting the charging of the power supply.

(11) The power supply unit according to (10), wherein

-   -   the control unit performs the charging of the power supply such        that an upper limit value for SOC indicating a ratio of an        amount of power stored in the power supply to a full charge        capacity of the power supply becomes equal to or smaller than        95%.

According to (11), the capacity of the power supply is set to be largesuch that it is possible to supply power more than power required toempty the aerosol generation source to the load in a state where the SOCis 95%. Therefore, even if deterioration of the power supply progresses,whereby the capacity decreases, it is possible to secure power forconsuming the aerosol generation source, and it is possible to extendthe life of the aerosol inhaler.

(12) The power supply unit according to (11), wherein

-   -   the control unit performs the charging of the power supply such        that the upper limit value for SOC indicating the ratio of the        amount of power stored in the power supply to the full charge        capacity of the power supply becomes equal to or smaller than        90%.

According to (12), the capacity of the power supply is set to be largesuch that it is possible to supply power more than power required toempty the aerosol generation source to the load in a state where the SOCis 90%. Therefore, even if deterioration of the power supply progresses,whereby the capacity decreases, it is possible to secure power forconsuming the aerosol generation source, and it is possible to extendthe life of the aerosol inhaler.

(13) A power supply control method of an aerosol inhaler, the aerosolinhaler including a power supply that is able to discharge power to aload for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation source, thepower supply control method comprising:

-   -   a control step of controlling at least one of charging and        discharging of the power supply such that the power supply does        not become one or both of a fully charged state and a        discharging termination state.

(14) A power supply control program of an aerosol inhaler, the aerosolinhaler including a power supply that is able to discharge power to aload for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation source, thepower supply control program making a computer execute:

-   -   a control step of controlling at least one of charging and        discharging of the power supply such that the power supply does        not become one or both of a fully charged state and a        discharging termination state.

According to (13) and (14), since the power supply is controlled suchthat the power supply does not become one or both of the fully chargedstate and the discharging termination state, it is possible to suppressdeterioration of the power supply. Especially, in devices which can befrequently used and be charged and discharged, like aerosol inhalers, byperforming such control, it is possible to suppress deterioration oftheir power supplies, thereby extending the lives of the devices. Inaddition, it is possible to obtain energy saving effect.

According to (1), (13), and (14), since the power supply is controlledsuch that the power supply does not become one or any one of the fullycharged state and the discharging termination state, it is possible tosuppress deterioration of the power supply. Especially, in devices whichcan be frequently used and be charged and discharged, like aerosolinhalers, by performing such control, it is possible to suppressdeterioration of their power supplies, thereby extending the lives ofthe devices. Therefore, there is energy saving effect in which it ispossible to use the power supply for a long time without replacing witha brand new one.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppressdeterioration in the performance of the power supply.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol inhaler, comprising: a power supplythat is able to discharge power to a heating resistor for generating anaerosol from an aerosol generation source; and a control unit that isconfigured to perform control to cause power discharge from the powersupply to the heating resistor such that the power supply is notfully-discharged, wherein a remainder which is obtained by subtractingan amount of power of the power supply when discharging of the powersupply to the heating resistor is to be prohibited from an amount ofpower of the power supply in a state in which charge of the power supplyhas completed is defined as a discharging permission power amount, andwherein the control unit controls the discharging of the power supplysuch that the discharging permission power amount in a first state wherea numerical index, indicating a healthy state of the power supply, issmaller than a threshold, is set to be equal to or larger than an amountof power required to be supplied to the heating resistor in order toempty the remaining amount of two of the aerosol generation source whichis unused.
 2. The aerosol inhaler according to claim 1, wherein thepower discharge from the power supply to the heating resistor isperformed in order to generate aerosol.
 3. The aerosol inhaler accordingto claim 1, wherein the first state is a state in which the control unitdetects a deterioration of the power supply.
 4. The aerosol inhaleraccording to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of light emittingelements, wherein the control unit changes a number of light emittingelements that are lit among the plurality of light emitting elementsbetween a first case of a state in which the power supply is in a fullycharged state or is in a predetermined state in which the remainingamount of power stored in the power supply is less than the amount ofpower in the fully charged state and a second case of a state in whichthe remaining amount of power stored in the power supply is less thanthe amount of power stored in the power supply in the predeterminedstate.
 5. The aerosol inhaler according to claim 1, wherein when thepower supply is brand new the control unit prohibits the dischargingwhen the state is reached in which the amount of power stored in thepower supply reaches 10% of the amount of power stored in the powersupply when the power supply is fully charged.
 6. The aerosol inhaleraccording to claim 1, wherein the power supply that is in a state wheredeterioration has progressed from when it was brand new the control unitprohibits the discharging when the state is reached in which the amountof power stored in the power supply reaches 7% of the amount of powerstored in the power supply when the power supply is fully charged.
 7. Apower supply control method of an aerosol inhaler, the aerosol inhalerincluding a power supply that is able to discharge power to the heatingresistor for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation source,the power supply control method comprising: a control step of performingcontrol to cause power discharge from the power supply to the heatingresistor such that the power supply is not fully-discharged, wherein aremainder which is obtained by subtracting an amount of power of thepower supply when discharging of the power supply to the heatingresistor is to be prohibited from an amount of power of the power supplyin a state in which charge of the power supply has completed is definedas a discharging permission power amount, and the control step controlsthe discharging of the power supply such that the discharging permissionpower amount in a first state where a numerical index, indicating ahealthy state of the power supply, is smaller than a threshold, is setto be equal to or larger than an amount of power required to be suppliedto the heating resistor in order to empty the remaining amount of two ofthe aerosol generation source which is unused.
 8. A power supply controlprogram of an aerosol inhaler having a power supply that is able todischarge power to the heating resistor for generating an aerosol froman aerosol generation source, the program making a computer execute: acontrol step of performing control to cause power discharge from thepower supply to the heating resistor such that the power supply is notfully-discharged, wherein a remainder which is obtained by subtractingan amount of power of the power supply when discharging of the powersupply to the heating resistor is to be prohibited from an amount ofpower of the power supply in a state in which charge of the power supplyhas completed is defined as a discharging permission power amount, andwherein the control step controls the discharging of the power supplysuch that the discharging permission power amount in a first state wherea numerical index, indicating a healthy state of the power supply, issmaller than a threshold, is set to be equal to or larger than an amountof power required to be supplied to the heating resistor in order toempty the remaining amount of two of the aerosol generation source whichis unused.